Left wing Hosea Gear provided the attacking spark in a hard fought two tries to one win over Bay of Plenty, creating the first try with a pinpoint chip and chase and scoring the second in a superb winger's try up the sideline.

Big defence also played a part in the Vodafone Wellington Lions' sixth straight competition win on their first visit to Rotorua International Stadium in 17 years, holding out a determined Bay of Plenty over the final 15 minutes.

They now face either Southland or Waikato next weekend in their second consecutive Air New Zealand Cup home quarterfinal at Westpac Stadium, having finished the round robin with eight wins from ten games played.

Lions first five-eighth Miah Nikora opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a penalty, before excellent vision, a well-weighted 50-metre kick and committed chasing from Gear provided the first try for blindside Faifili Levave.

Gear won the ball back off the scrambling Bay of Plenty defenders and the busy Levave was on hand to pick and drive over the line for an 8-0 lead.

The resolute Steamers hit back five minutes before halftime with a converted try scored by hooker Ngarimu Simpkins.

Positive intent and attacking continuity featured in the lead up to Gear's try in the 50th minute, Gear adding speed and strength to his repertoire of skills, running around his marker from a standing start and forcing his way through two more defenders to score in the corner.

This extended the Lions' lead to 13-7, which replacement first five-eighth Dan Kirkpatrick increased to 16-7 soon after with a penalty for a high tackle on captain Tamati Ellison.

There have been some spirited Lions - Bay of Plenty battles over the years and this was shaping as no exception, the Steamers fighting back with the help of hometown support and a significant penalty count in their favour.

The Lions were forced into focused defence over the final stanza, Bay of Plenty No. 8 Colin Bourke successful with a penalty in the 62nd minute and Lions halfback Alby Mathewson pulling off a brilliant try saving tackle as the match headed towards a tense conclusion.
    
Bourke kicked another penalty to make it 16-13 when Lions replacement lock Jeremy Thrush was sent to the sin bin in the 75th minute, but the now 14-man Wellington held firm to the end.

Scorers:

At Rotorua: Vodafone Wellington Lions 16 (Faifili Levave, Hosea Gear tries; Miah Nikorah pen, Daniel Kirkpatrick pen) Bay of Plenty 13 (Ngarimu Simpkins try; Colin Bourke 2 pen, con). Halftime: Lions 8-7.
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